The Tampa Bay Times
The bottom water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), west of the Tampa Bay area, is creeping up towards 80 degrees. This past weekend, some of our divers recorded GOM water as warm as 78 degrees. Wetsuits are still required, but three-millimeter wetsuits have replaced the thicker suits. This is a tricky time of year because we still need wetsuits for the cooler water. However, the air temperatures can be in the mid to upper 80’s. The warmer air and hot sun can overheat a diver before he enters the water. It is very important to stay cool when wearing a wetsuit on the boat in these conditions. Every diver should take the time to randomly pour cool water in the suit. It’s also a good idea to pour some water in the suit before the diver starts donning the scuba gear. Putting the scuba gear on can be exhausting and if the boat is sitting still over the dive spot there’s not be much of a breeze to keep the diver cool. Hogfish and mangrove snappers still dominate the bottom fish species for being speared. Don’t forget to look for legal size jolthead porgies. The porgies move over the bottom structure around the hogfish and their flesh is very tasty. Many believe that porgy filets are as good as hogfish meat. Another member of the porgy family, sheepshead, are still on the shallow ledges and a few sheepshead are a good addition to the dinner menu.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
